The Building Of A Costume

[Rickman Fish]

I am in the early phase of building my costuming for the character, Bill Hickok.
Can anyone lead me to additional information (favorite links to pictures) regarding the different apparel worn by Bill? I will be doing this costume right so if you have any information that can help, please let me know. (this includes weaponry)

'preciate it,
Fish
Old West Actors For Hire

[Rickman Fish]

Well Crap Mondo, let me know who your boss is and I'll talk 'er into it.

[Rickman Fish]

I was using an undercover name in hopes that he would respond without getting caught.

Thanks for your input Walker.
Fish
Old West Actors For Hire

[Johnny Dalton]

Why can't anyone help?

[Rickman Fish]

They're out there somewhere Johnny, just gotta be patient.

"patience my ass, I want to kill somebody"

Fish
Old West Actors For Hire

[Steve Pinch]

There are plenty of books , articles and pictures of "Wild Bill" out there. It would be quite easy to do your own research.

[Rickman Fish]

Thanks Steve,
You are correct, there are many areas to research and I have begun doing just that. I guess the idea of the posting was to hopfully eliminate the time element by being directed to some of the forum members favorite websites or books. To try and get a jump on the learning curve.

Thanks for the reply,
Fish
Old West Actors For Hire

[Mark]

There was a Wild Bill Collector's edition from True West in (I think) 2001 with some great photo references. As far as costuming, if you go "Buckskin" Wild Bill be prepared to spend more money than if you go "Dandy" Wild Bill (ie Frock Coat, vest, dress pants,etc). A good place to start either way is River Junction Trading Company: http://www.riverjunction.com/index.html. They've got some great looking authentic clothing as well as an authetic Wild Bill hat. Good luck!

[Rickman Fish]

Thanks Mark, I'll check into the True West archives and see if the issue is available.
I have actually visited the two stores (side by side) of River Junction back in August. I used to live just across the Mississippi from McGregor Iowa. It's a cool town and the people running the stores are nice folks. And you're right, they have plenty of authentic stuff.

Fish

[Bungalo Bill]

Check out this link and you will see a variety of outfits in actual photos:

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-BillHickokPhotoGallery.html

As you can see, Wild Bill didn't have just one way to dress. Be creative.

[Rickman Fish]

Good link, Thanks Bill.

Fish
Old West Actors For Hire

[Wild Bill]

Howdy Fish,

As noted below there is many photos of Wild Bill you can find, as to your portrayal I expect you want to be accurate and not 'movie' Bill.
The story of Hickok wearing his pistols in a sash is suspect to me, anyone who's used a pair of Navies knows they would not be very useful to a true shootist wrapped in a sash. There is no photo evidence of a sash but plenty of Hickok wearing holsters with a civil war officers belt.
(I wear a sash under the belt just because...something I started years ago even though I feel no historical reason to)
I know you're looking for pistols that fire .45 caliber (for blanks I expect) but they will hard to find for Navies. I know there are .38 blanks available out there and would suggest a pair of converted Navies like mine. I'd buy factory ones since it will be a bit less expensive, you can find a good selection out there - perhaps the "Man with No Name" since they look most like a '51 Navy and you'll be changing the grips anyway. Speaking of grips - Buffalo Brothers offers a real nice set for you to get.


Also converting a pistol from C&B to cartridge may have legal issues for you - oce done you can not re-sell the pistols legally.
Hickok wore a sombrero type hat which was typical of the times for a plainsman. Wide brim, short flat crown.
Since my SASS personality is taylored to Hickok feel free to check out photos on my website for some ideas and e-mail me if you want additional information on clothes and firearms.

Regards,
Wild Bill

[Rickman Fish]

Hey Wild Bill,
Thank you for your response. I have visited your website and will again. It will be very helpful.
I have commited to a pair of Uberti converted '51's (although I haven't purchased yet) I need these guns to work and the extra expense and unknown of either of the conversions available has brought me to this conclusion.

If you haven't already, I would like to invite you to visit Old West Actors For Hire and consider the benefits of participating. When you get there click the "Get The Details" link at the bottom of any page. Then proceed to review the information and submit your information. There is no cost to participate and with your look and dedication, this may be something that will allow you to gain some rewards for your long-term effort.

If you have any questions at all, contact me directly at [e-mail]

Thanks for your input,
Fish
Old West Actors For Hire